Water-Wise Gardening

Spend less time with a hose and more time enjoying your garden with these tips for low-maintenance greenery.

Choosing Plants

Even on a quarter-acre lot, you'll have a variety of soil, shade, and sun conditions. If your garden is in a sunny area, choose plants that can handle some drought. Arizona landscape architect Christy Ten Eyck says that plants requiring more water should grow in protected microclimates near your house. A plant that thrives best in the shade will need much more water if it's placed in the sun.